Reflections with Andy – Luke 1: 57-80 – Pointing to Jesus 

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We see the birth of John the Baptist today. First, we see that when he is born, people expect him to be named after his father. When Elizabeth says no, he is to be called John, but no one believes. It was only after his father agreed that he was able to speak again. But once Zechariah was able to speak, he began to prophecy and tell people what his son, John, would do. He would point others to Jesus. That was his job. And ours too.

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Good morning. It’s great to be with you on this Monday as we continue our journey through Luke’s Gospel. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Yesterday at St. Matthew’s, we were blessed by our annual patriotic musical. Our music minister, Tim Rigby, always does such a wonderful job. If you missed it, I’d encourage you to go back and watch the replay on our church website. You’ll be blessed by it.

A Long-Awaited Birth

Today, we’re still in Luke chapter 1—yes, it’s a long chapter! Luke’s gospel is dense and rich, full of details gathered through research and interviews, especially from people like Mary. That’s part of what makes Luke unique: he presents the gospel from the perspective of the least, the last, and the lost—outsiders, Gentiles, the overlooked.

We pick up in Luke 1:57–66, with the birth of John the Baptist:

“Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her…”

John’s birth is a moment of deep joy—not just for Elizabeth and Zechariah, but for the whole community. After a lifetime of barrenness, Elizabeth is blessed with life. God’s mercy is on full display.

Breaking Expectations

At the child’s circumcision, everyone expected him to be named Zechariah after his father—a respected priest. But Elizabeth says no: “He is to be called John.”

This didn’t make sense to the crowd. “None of your relatives have that name,” they said. So they turned to Zechariah, who still couldn’t speak. But when he wrote on a tablet, “His name is John,” something miraculous happened:

“Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God.” (v. 64)

Zechariah, once silenced for his disbelief, is now speaking again—this time, filled with the Holy Spirit.

From Mute Priest to Speaking Prophet

In verses 67–80, Zechariah breaks into a powerful prophetic song—often called the Benedictus. He praises God for remembering His promises, for raising up a savior from the house of David (Jesus), and for the role his son John will play.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” (v. 76)

Zechariah moves from doubt to proclamation, from silence to praise. The Spirit of God has turned him from a mute priest into a speaking prophet.

John’s Role—and Ours

John the Baptist has one job: to point people to Jesus.

“He must increase, and I must decrease.” – John 3:30

That’s John’s legacy—and it should be ours as well. There is no higher calling than to point people to Christ. To proclaim hope. To shine light in the darkness.

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness… to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (vv. 78–79)

Even now, God shines light into our darkest places. That’s the message of Advent. That’s the heart of the Gospel.

Reflection Questions

  • Who has been a “John the Baptist” in your life—someone who pointed you to Jesus?
  • Who in your life right now might need to be pointed toward Christ?
  • Are you willing to be that light, that voice, that guide?

I think of people like Coach Myers, Brother Bill Poole, and Bishop Bill McAlilly—mentors who showed me Jesus in word and deed. Who are those people for you?

And perhaps more importantly: who can you be that person for today?

Closing Thought

Today, may we follow Jesus wholeheartedly. And like John the Baptist, may we prepare the way for others to meet Him. May we be bold in pointing to the Light—because the world still sits in darkness, and it still needs to be shown the way of peace.

Thanks for being with us. Tomorrow, we finally step into Luke chapter 2, and read one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture: the story of Jesus’ birth. See you then!

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